That Dhruv is not complete. You can see where the self defense equipment will be attached. The bump out over the flare launchers will recieve MAWS and RWR and bumps on the nose will get LWS and RWR as well, I believe.

is it cheeta the weaponised ALH or the testing platform for LCH. which means we are going to miss the LCH for now atleast. also waiting for more info of HALs indigenious future programs and much more from you

Yes, the build quality looks bad.1. Is this bird bulletproofed for crew safety? From the looks of the sliding pilot door glass it seems it is not. Bad idea.Then it looks like this is an interim machine for HAL to test the features for the LCH - even though they are to be inducted in numbers.

2. How do they paint that leopard on the chopper. It is even on the glass window. Is it a sticker? How do they make it fit even on the flare dispenser and other outcroppings on the chopper? Shiv-ji Please Please, find this out. ;-)

this is from livefist, it shows with the regulation wingtip R-73s and drop tanks.no weapons pic till date.

here are the links for recent news items:credit for gathering goes to the folk @ bharat-rakshak.comhttp://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4697&sid=f140489388467a8d041bc89aac5d805f&start=0http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/28/stories/2009012857481400.htm

Why has HAL opted for the FLIR pod on the top of the nose unlike almost all the other helos. It just limits field of view (FOV). However the FLIR pod at the lower part of the nose could in theory give a 360 degree view. Hmmmmmmmmm....Maybe the Canon or it's turret are coming in the way??Any ideas if the LCH has the same arrangement as well.